museum

“Lonnie G. Bunch III, the 14th Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution. Credit: Photo courtesy of the Smithsonian Institution”

From the Smithsonian Institution:

“Lonnie G. Bunch III, the 14th Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, announced today he will retire from his position, concluding nearly 38 years of service at the Smithsonian and a career that has shaped the museum field in the United States and beyond.

“It is with very mixed emotions and heartfelt gratitude that I announce my retirement from the Smithsonian,” Bunch said. “I have spent nearly half of my life working at and being part of the Smithsonian family, and what a privilege it has been. There is no place like the Smithsonian—it has been one of the great loves of my life, and I am extraordinarily proud of what we have accomplished together. I leave with pride and sadness, gratitude and joy, and with enormous confidence in the people who will carry this remarkable institution forward.”

Bunch was named Secretary in June 2019, making him the first African American and first historian to serve in the role in the Smithsonian’s history. As Secretary, he led the world’s largest museum, education and research complex, which includes 21 museums, 20 libraries, the National Zoo, numerous research centers and multiple education units and centers. (more…)

925 13th Street, NW

Very cool. The word from Planet Word:

“Planet Word, the nation’s only museum of words and language, has installed two chat benches inviting visitors to sit down and start a conversation.

The benches, made possible through a gift from CubeSmart in honor of their outgoing board member Deborah Ratner Salzberg, are open to the public and join a broader effort across Washington and the country to use designated spaces to reduce isolation and encourage human connection. (more…)

Courtesy of the Smithsonian

From an email:

“The Smithsonian will welcome families and children to Smithsonian Family Day, a free event Saturday, July 25, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Arts and Industries Building on the National Mall.

The event will feature live performances by The Washington Ballet and the Dylan Lizza Quartet; hands-on STEM and art activities; historical reenactors portraying George Washington and Amelia Earhart; and appearances by beloved PBS KIDS characters.

It’s also the last chance for visitors to see “American Aspirations” before the exhibition closes July 26 next door at the Smithsonian Castle.

Admission is free, and no tickets or registration are required.” (more…)